Fundamentals of Nursing - Promoting Musculoskeletal Function

Flashcards covering key concepts related to promoting musculoskeletal function, including immobilization, complications of immobility, types of immobilization, assessment, support devices, and aids to mobilization.

Immobilization

Immobilization or bed rest may be required for recovery from stroke, post-operative situations, or trauma.

Systemic Complications of Immobilization

All body systems are affected by immobilization, leading to decreased strength, weakness, pressure ulcers, and contractures.

Respiratory System Complications of Immobility

Decreased lung volume, pooling of mucous, cilia less effective, decreased oxygen saturation, aspiration, and atelectasis.

Psychological Complications of Immobility

Anxiety, depression, sensory deprivation, learned helplessness, and delirium.

Gastrointestinal System Complications of Immobility

Reflux, loss of appetite, decreased peristalsis, and constipation.

Circulatory System Complications of Immobility

Loss of plasma volume, loss of orthostatic compensation, increased heart rate, and development of DVT.

Genitourinary System Complications of Immobility

Incomplete bladder emptying, formation of calculi in kidneys and infection.

Musculoskeletal System Complications of Immobility

Weakness, muscle atrophy, loss of muscle strength by 3-5%, calcium loss from bones, and increased risk of falls due to weakness.

Contractures

A complication of immobility affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Splints

A type of immobilization device used to immobilize an injured part and provide first aid, requiring NV checks for care.

Traction

A type of immobilization that includes both skin and skeletal methods.

Skin Traction

Uses Velcro boots, belts, halters, and slings applied snugly to the skin for immobilization.

Skeletal Traction

Requires surgical placement of pins, tongs, screws, or wires anchored to the bone and can support more weight than skin traction.

Traction Indications

Broken extremity, need to realign body, control pain, and prevent spasms.

Cast

A method of prolonged immobilization.

External Fixators

Metal inserts attached to an external frame to stabilize fragments during healing, allowing the patient to be more active.

Nursing Assessment

Respiratory, neurovascular, pain, and ADLs.

Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) Machine

A machine used to exercise the extremity and joint, requiring a physician order.

Pressure Relief Devices

Foam and gel pads, sheepskin pads, heel and elbow protectors, and pulsating air pads used for support.

Bandages

Used for immobilization and to reduce swelling, applied distal to proximal, requiring NV checks.

Mechanical Lifts

Used for immobile patients, requiring adherence to facility policy, do NOT leave patient unattended.

Types of Exercise

AROM (Active Range of Motion), PROM (Passive Range of Motion), Isometric (Muscle Contraction).

Walkers

Elbows bent 15-30 degrees, use of bilateral hands/arms, one leg. Aids to mobilization

Canes

Elbows bent 15-30 degrees, used on strong side. Aids to mobilization

Crutches

Adjusted for patient height, NO WEIGHT BEARING ON AXILLA. Aids to mobilization

Wheelchairs

Used for patients who are not able to ambulate either independently or with aids. Assists with mobilization

Prostheses

Used to replace missing body parts and for stabilization.